With an incredible 62, Austin Smotherman shattered his previous best on Friday and grabbed the solo lead at the Bank of Utah Championship, a sign he's hungry for his first PGA Tour victory. With a total score of an impressive 17 under par after 36 holes, Smotherman now holds a one-shot lead. This is already his second 36-hole lead this year – a clear statement that he's ready to claim the title.
Making his 100th PGA Tour start, Austin Smotherman leads by one stroke over Kevin Roy following the second round of the Bank of Utah Championship. Smotherman's personal-best 36-hole score of 125 falls one shy of the season’s best 36-hole total (124): Scottie Scheffler/Travelers
Auf X weiterlesenOn Fire on the Greens
What an incredible round Smotherman put together! Ten birdies graced his scorecard by the end, capped off by an epic birdie-birdie-birdie finish. The man was untouchable on the greens, hitting all 18 Greens in Regulation. Most of his birdies came from short range, under 10 feet (3.05 meters), but his longest chip-in for a birdie – a monster from 20 feet (6.10 meters) – came on the par-3 17th.
Roy Hot on His Heels
Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah, is a stage for low scores, and Smotherman seems to be taking full advantage. His round of 62 is no fluke; he had previously shot a 62 in February at the Cognizant Classic and four years ago at the Bermuda Open. But the competition isn't sleeping: Kevin Roy is hot on his heels with two rounds of 63, just one stroke back.
For Smotherman, it's not just about winning the tournament. A strong result here could open the door to the first two Signature Events in 2027, a game-changer for his career. He's in top form and enters the weekend as the favorite – a showdown is guaranteed.
